Alcona Health Center

02/18/2026

‼️ For the safety of our patients and staff, the following sites will be closing early.

3:30pm - Pickford Medical Clinic
4:00pm - Indian River Services

We appreciate your understanding!

02/17/2026

🌿 Compassionate Support When You Need It Most 🌿

Jamie Soltysiak, LLMSW is here to walk alongside you with understanding, empathy, and evidence‑based care. Serving Alpena, Ossineke, and the surrounding communities, Jamie is currently welcoming new patients who are seeking peace of mind and meaningful support.

Providing behavioral health services with a strong background in Substance Use Disorder Counseling, Jamie provides a safe space to navigate life’s challenges and begin the journey toward healing and stability.

If you or someone you know is ready to take the next step toward wellness, Jamie is here to help. 💚

Your path forward starts with compassionate care.

Jamie Soltysiak, LLMSW Behavioral Health Jamie Soltysiak, is a Limited Licensed Master Social Worker. Jamie received her bachelor's degree from Spring Arbor University. She has a special interest in assisting with substance use disorders and addiction therapy. She is active in supporting substance u...

02/16/2026

Below are the upcoming food distributions for February by the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan (FBEM)! This schedule is being shared on behalf of the FBEM, and is not sponsored by Alcona Health Center.

02/13/2026

02/13/2026

🦷✨ Happy National Children's Dental Health Month! ✨🦷

We’re excited to celebrate by giving back to our community! All month long, we’ll be handing out free toothbrushes, toothpaste, and fun coloring pages to help kids learn the importance of a healthy smile.

Stop by the Alpena or Oscoda Dental locations to pick up some goodies, and join us in promoting bright, confident smiles for our little ones. 💚

02/13/2026

🌟 Welcoming the Future of Healthcare to Alpena Services! 🌟

We’re excited to open our doors—and our hearts—to the Health Occupation Students beginning their rotations with us. These students represent the next generation of compassionate, skilled healthcare providers, and we’re honored to play a small part in their journey.

Rural communities like ours thrive when dedicated professionals choose to learn, grow, and serve close to home. By supporting these students today, we’re investing in a healthier, stronger tomorrow for the entire region.

To all the students joining us: welcome. We’re proud of you already, and we can’t wait to watch you learn, shine, and discover the impact you can make in rural healthcare. Your future is bright, and we’re grateful you’re sharing part of that journey with Alcona Health Center. 💚

Alpena High School Career and Technical Education- Health Occupations students started their job shadowing rotations at Alcona Health Center this week.

02/12/2026

✨ Why You Should Always Get a Care Plan or Visit Summary After Every Appointment ✨

Your health journey doesn’t end when you walk out of the exam room. A care plan or visit summary is one of the most powerful tools you can take home with you — and here’s why it matters:

📌 It helps you remember what was discussed.
Appointments can feel fast, and it’s easy to forget details. A written summary keeps everything clear once you’re back home.

📌 It outlines next steps.
Whether it’s medications, lifestyle changes, follow-up tests, or referrals, your care plan spells out exactly what to do and when to do it.

📌 It keeps everyone on the same page.
If you’re working with multiple providers or caregivers, a visit summary ensures consistent, coordinated care.

📌 It empowers you to take control of your health.
Understanding your plan means you can make informed decisions and track your progress with confidence.

📌 It reduces confusion and stress.
No more guessing, no more “What did the doctor say again?” — everything is written down for you.

💡 Pro tip: Before you leave any appointment, ask for your printed or digital visit summary. It’s a small step that makes a big difference in your long-term health.

02/12/2026

🌟 Meet Dr. Joseph Garlinghouse! 🌟

Pickford Medical Clinic is excited to welcome our newest provider to the team.

Dr. Garlinghouse is now accepting patients — with convenient Friday appointments available. Whether you’re due for a check‑up or looking for a new primary care provider, now’s the perfect time to get scheduled.

📞 Call the clinic today at (906) 647-2217 and book your appointment!

Joseph Garlinghouse, MD MPH Family Medicine Joseph Garlinghouse, Doctor of Medicine, graduated from the University of Michigan in 1999, earning both his Doctor of Medicine and Master of Public Health degrees. He has a special interest in hospice and palliative medicine and is dedicated to providing....

02/11/2026

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month! 🦷💚

A healthy smile starts earlier than many people realize. Did you know that dental professionals recommend a child’s first dental visit when the first tooth appears or by their first birthday?

Early visits help set the foundation for lifelong oral health and give parents the tools they need to care for those tiny teeth.

Let’s celebrate healthy habits and bright smiles all month long!

02/10/2026

Shared by MiFamily, February is a great time to revisit social emotional learning and goal setting. See the below flyer for tips on how to help your child to regulate emotions and set goals for the new year!

02/09/2026

✂️ Need a haircut ✂️

Stop by Project Connect in Petoskey, visit the Alcona Health Center booth, and then get yourself or a family member a FREE haircut

The event will have helpful resources, handouts, and information on local services designed to support you and your family. Come see how your community can show up for you — all in one place.

We hope to see you there!

02/07/2026

Visit Lynsie and Andrea from the Recovery Services team today from 10am - 2pm at the Aplex in Alpena for the Business Expo!